The
Italian Spinone is a versatile hunting dog of ancient heritage with origins
in northern Italy. It has a very resistant, thick skin, and harsh
coat, making it well suited for working in the field. The
Spinone has been characterized as a dog "...that does not hunt for themselves
but for their master" and is "not too fast in their speed while
searching out game." Their gentledisposition
and docile temperament make them an excellent family companion as well.
The Spinone Italiano or Italian Pointer is Italy's all-purpose hunting dog,
often referred to as a "Griffon," since that name formerly designated
the hunting dogs of all continental Europe. Actually, the dog is a Pointer
of the old school, that is, a rather slow-footed dog similar to those used
prior to the era of wing shooting. Almost every country in Europe has
had its Pointer for at least three centuries, and each developed the dog in
its own locality according to climate, need and changing times. The Piedmonte
district of Northwest Italy is primarily responsible for the Spinone's development
into an all-purpose dog. These dogs are said to outrank all other Italian
gun dogs as a highly efficient worker.

Italian
Spinones are enthusiastic, but slightly slower than most bird dogs.
They are however hard workers and will be loyal to their masters. They
need moderate amounts of attention, and training in order for them to stay
in top conditioning form during the hunting season.

Italian
Spinone owners know of their dog's keen, very intelligent expressions. They
are extremely smart gundogs. They are one of the most loyal breed of
gundogs, and any avid hunter truly appreciates this characteristic in a well-developed
hunting dog.

Average
height for the Italian Spinone for both male and
female genders range from 20 to 26 inches at the shoulder. Their weight is
usually between 50 and 60 pounds. The female genders are of course
smaller than the male, as with all animals.

The
Spinone, unlike many gundogs, do not have a wide variety of colors.
There are only three varieties of the Italian Spinone. They are either
solid white, solid white with yellow patches, or solid white with dark brown
patches. The coat is weather-proof, short, rough and hard, tending to
be wiry but never woolly or curly. They are also quite bushy over the
eyes. Their coats need daily brushing with a good wire brush or comb.

The
Italian Spinone is know for its calm, docile, demeanor, making them a great
addition to any family. They are very gentle dogs with great amounts
of loyalty and compassion to give to their owner.